Metallica... I believe a lot of people have grown completely tired of their lack of effort (creatively) to produce a solid album. Now are we asking for a sequel to Ride the Lightning, And Justice for All, and "Black Album"...not necessarily...but at this point that is really what it needs to take to get them back on even par with the fans.

Touring...they have no issues, they can put on a good show. But their releases since "Black Album" have been declining steadily. It was apparent on Load / ReLoad...sure their were a lot of good songs between the two releases...but you can tell that things were declining in the writing asepct.

Personally, Load and ReLoad, was attemtping to recreate the success of the "Black Album" but taking it to the next level...in some degree, they succeeded and the failed at the same time. Thus been a struggling aspect ever since.

However, they could have a way to redeem themselves prior to attempting to record and release a new album... No disrespect to Cliff at all...but I think Metallica should go back in a "re-record" some of their major hits from Kill 'Em All to And Justice for All.

Now re-records can be a savor or sin...but if they go back in a re-record those major hits for those first 4 albums without changing the songs too much - just updating the sound and production...then they might actually have a chance to writng another inspiring and well-received album.